Michael Ring
Question:270. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if all vacancies (details supplied) are advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19813/21]
View answerAppointments to State Boards
Questions (270, 271)
Michael Ring
Question:271. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any person can apply for a position (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19868/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together. I propose to take Questions Nos. 270and 271 together.
Appointments to State Boards are made in compliance with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
The Guidelines are available on the State Boards website www.stateboards.ie
Broad and open access to potential participation on State Boards is a fundamental principle of the approach set out in the Guidelines. Applications are welcome from people who believe they have the relevant skills and experience to join a State Board, barring any disqualifications that may apply under legislative provision.
All State Board vacancies under my Department’s remit are advertised on the State Boards website, unless there is a specific mechanism for filling the vacancy laid down in legislation, such as the appointment of worker directors or nomination by a third party organisation. This is provided for in Section 9 of the current Guidelines.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (272)
David Cullinane
Question:272. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a property (details supplied) will be connected to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19899/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention. I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future-proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 15 April 2021, over 204,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete in the areas of Waterford, Ballinakill, Cheekpoint, Waterford City, Passage East, Kilmeaden, Dunmore East and Tramore. The premises referred to in the Question is located in the Waterford deployment area and I am advised that surveys have been completed by NBI in the area and NBI anticipates that build will commence in the area towards the end of this year.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Waterford through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 15 April, 302 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are installed at Knockanore Community Centre, Modeligo Community Hall, Mount Melleray Community Hall and Ballysaggart Community Centre. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Whitechurch National School, Faithlegg National School and Saint Mary's National School are connected as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (273)
Joe McHugh
Question:273. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of household connections as part of the Eir T 300 programme; the number of household connections as part of the roll-out by a company (details supplied) by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19908/21]
View answerWritten answers
Eir and Siro’s rural deployment of high speed broadband are commercial undertakings and are not part of the planned State Intervention. Their operations are not funded by the State and are not planned, designed or directed by my Department in any capacity. The decision as to the areas and premises served is made by eir and Siro. They operate in a fully liberalised market regulated by ComReg as the independent regulator. My Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that process. Notwithstanding this, eir signed a Commitment Agreement with my Department in April 2017 to rollout to circa 300,000 rural premises with fibre to the home. I am advised that Eir has passed over 340,000 premises as part of this project. SIRO is currently completing the first phase of its fibre deployment and I understand that it has now passed 374,000 premises with gigabit services.
Of the 2.4 million premises across Ireland, 77% of premises now have access to high-speed broadband of more than 30 Mbps. National Broadband Ireland will address the remaining premises through the National Broadband Plan State intervention. A number of commercial operators have announced further investment plans in high-speed broadband. Eir has said it will roll out fibre to a further 1.4 million premises, bringing their fibre deployment to some 1.8 million premises. Virgin Media is offering 250Mbps as a standard offering with 500Mbps and 1Gbps available to many of their customers across more than 1 million premises that they cover. Many other network operators and telecom service providers across the State also continue to invest in their networks.
The latest available ComReg Key Data Report on broadband for Q4, 2020 shows that fixed broadband subscriptions increased to 1.51 million which is an increase of 0.6% for that quarter and an increase of 3.7% compared to Q4, 2019. Of these, over 248k were fibre to the premises (FTTP) subscriptions representing 16.4% of the total fixed broadband in Q4, 2020 which is up from 11.1% in Q4 2019. In Q4, 2020 approximately 81.6% of broadband subscribers had purchased broadband with speeds equal to or greater than 30Mbps. Of all fixed broadband subscriptions 42.5% of subscribers purchased broadband speeds equal to or greater than 100Mbps. According to Eurostat, in 2019 Ireland’s household penetration rate (including fixed and mobile broadband) at 90% is slightly higher than the EU average of 89%.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (274)
Joe McHugh
Question:274. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the communication plan in place to inform elected members in local authorities of timeframes and sequence of implementation of the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19915/21]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools. The Contract places obligations on NBI in terms of stakeholder engagement throughout the duration of the Project. Elected representatives, including those in Local Authorities, are identified as key stakeholders in this regard. As part of its 2021 communications planning, NBI are undertaking regular one-to-one, group and event-based briefings for both local and national elected representatives. These will continue throughout the year and are complemented by email updates, media activity and social media content targeting information at core stakeholders in line with the roll out of connections in the various deployment areas across the country. In addition, NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by elected representatives for specific queries.
Given the strategic importance of this project, my Department will also be engaging with elected representatives over the coming months with a view to providing information on the project roll out in their respective areas.
North-South Interconnector
Questions (275)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:275. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the North South interconnector project is still considered a project of common interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19942/21]
View answerWritten answers
The North South Interconnector is designated as an EU Project of Common Interest (PCI), following its inclusion in the 4th PCI list adopted by the European Commission in October 2019.
Energy Regulation
Questions (276)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:276. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the renegotiation of the Trans-European Networks for Energy Regulation, with particular reference to projects of common interest; when these negotiations will conclude; when the proposals will be agreed or made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19943/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation was introduced in 2013 as a new framework for cross-border energy infrastructure planning. The objectives of the Regulation are to expand Europe’s cross-border energy infrastructure, address infrastructure isolation of Member States from gas and electricity networks, enhance energy security and improve integration of renewable energy sources. The TEN-E Regulation inter alia provides for the designation of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) for energy infrastructure projects that address the objectives of the regulation, with a new PCI list to be adopted by the European Commission every two years, following discussions between the Commission, EU Member States and other stakeholders. To reflect the EU’s increased climate ambition through the European Green Deal, and to facilitate reduced GHG emissions from hitherto hard to decarbonise sectors, the TEN-E is one of a number of EU energy and climate regulations and directives scheduled for revision in 2021. An initial proposed draft of the amended regulation was published by the European Commission in December 2020 and this has formed the basis for negotiations between Member States which have been taking place since January 2021.The European Parliament is also working on its preferred outcome for the revision.Agreement on a Council General Approach is expected to be reached midway through this year, with subsequent trilogue negotiations between the European Commission, Council and European Parliament to begin later this year, before a final revision of the TEN-Regulation is agreed. The first PCI list to be established under the amended TEN-E Regulation is likely to be adopted by the European Commission in Q4 2023.
Waste Management
Questions (277)
Seán Sherlock
Question:277. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the groups he has met with in respect of providing a disability waste waiver. [20037/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has engaged with relevant stakeholders, including representative organisations such as Family Carer’s Ireland, Age Action, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, the Irish Wheelchair Association, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland and public bodies such as the National Disability Authority, the HSE, the Department of Health and the Department of Social Protection, in an effort to see how best to support persons with long-term incontinence with respect to the disposal of medical incontinence wear. Since mid-2017, a range of charging options have operated, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste. This provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances. Mandatory per kilogramme 'pay by weight' charging was not introduced. A Price Monitoring Group (PMG) was established in mid-2017 to monitor the on-going cost of residential waste collection to homeowners across Ireland as the ‘flat-rate structure’ was being phased out. While fluctuations in prices and service offerings have been observed, the overall trend has been relative price stability. Results from the PMG are available on my Department's website.
In September 2020, I launched a new national waste policy for the period 2020-2025, A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. This plan contains a range of measures to empower households through enhanced consumer protection requirements. It also envisages an enhanced monitoring of the market to ensure continued relative price stability.
Gníomhú ar son na hAeráide
Questions (278, 279)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:278. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide an bhfuil aon obair fiosrúcháin nó pleanáil déanta ag a Roinn mar gheall ar an tionchar is féidir a bheith ag an athrú aeráide ar an nGaeltacht, agus mura bhfuil go fóill, an mbeadh sé sásta tabhairt faoin obair sin go luath. [20236/21]
View answerAengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:279. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide an bhfuil aon obair fiosrúcháin nó pleanáil déanta ag a Roinn mar gheall ar an tionchar is féidir a bheith ag an athrú aeráide ar an nGaeilge mar theanga sa tsochaí, agus mura bhfuil go fóill, an mbeadh sé sásta tabhairt faoin obair sin go luath. [20238/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together. Molaim ceisteanna Uimh. 278 agus 279 a fhreagairt le chéile
Tá an Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán freagrach as ceisteanna maidir le caomhnú agus cur chun cinn na Gaeilge mar theanga soisiala.Chomh maith le sin níl feidhm reachtúil agam maidir leis an nGaeltacht.
Sonraítear sa Chreat Oiriúnaithe Náisiúnta,a foilsíodh in Eanair 2018 an straitéis náisiúnta chun bearta oiriúnaithe a chur i bhfeidhm in earnálacha difriúla agus ag údaráis áitiúla ina limistéir riaracháin chun leochaileacht an Stáit a laghdú i leith éifeachtaí diúltacha an athraithe aeráide agus tairbhe a bhaint as aon tionchair dhearfacha a d’fhéadfadh eascairt as. Sonraítear sa Chreat Oiriúnaithe Náisiúnta an comhthéacs chun a chinntiú gur féidir le húdaráis áitiúla, réigiúin agus príomhearnálacha na príomhrioscaí agus leochaileachtaí a bhaineann le hathrú aeráide a mheasúnú, gníomhartha chun seasmhacht ó thaobh aeráide a chur i bhfeidhm agus a chinntiú go mbíonn tosca oiriúnaithe aeráide ina ndlúthchuid den déanamh beartas ar leibhéal áitiúil, réigiúnach agus náisiúnta.
Faoin gCreat agus faoin Acht um Ghníomhaíocht Aeráide agus Forbairt Carbóin Ísil, 2015 d’fhoilsigh 6 Ranna Rialtais atá freagrach as 12 earnálacha tosaíochta, pleananna oiriúnaithe earnála i Mí Deireach Fómhair 2021.Chomh maith le seo, d’ullmhaigh gach údarás aítiúla sa tír straitéisí áitiúla oiriúnaithe. Is ceist do na ranna and húdaráis cuí iad cur i bhfeidhm na pleananna agus stráitéisí seo.Tá na pleananna agus stráitéisí uilig foilsithe ar an idirlíon.
Faoin gCreat ní mór do gach Roinn, fiú ranna nach n-éilítear orthu plean a ullmhú faoin gCreat seo, sampla a thabhairt agus ullmhú do thionchar athrú aeráide trína chinneadh conas oiriúnú d’athrú aeráide a chomhtháthú i mbeartais agus i mbearta ábhartha laistigh dá dtéarmaí tagartha.
Tá tuilleadh eolas maidir le héifeachtaí an athrú aeráide ar Éireann ar fail ar an suiómh Climate Ireland www.climateireland.ie agus tá eolas maidir le taighde críochnaithe nó atá faoi bhun maidir leis an athrú aeráide ar fail ag:
https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/research/climate/ .
National Broadband Plan
Questions (280)
John Paul Phelan
Question:280. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration is being given to introducing more flexibility in the National Broadband Plan to allow National Broadband Ireland to connect commercial premises that may already have a limited broadband connection to connect to the new fibre optic cables that in many cases pass adjacent to these existing industrial locations but cannot be connected despite existing broadband options for such facilities failing to meet the capacities required for such industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20321/21]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools ensuring no premises is left behind. The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the areas which will be included in the NBP State led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode. Commercial areas defined as BLUE on the NBP map are not included in the State led intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard as they operate in a fully liberalised market regulated by ComReg as independent regulator.
Complaints about service provision are a matter between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
In the event that, having exhausted the above options, a premises located in the BLUE area still cannot get high speed broadband from service providers in the area, they should contact my Department at broadband@decc.gov.ie with full details and the matter will be investigated by my officials. The NBP High Speed Broadband Map is dynamic. This means that the intervention area can be updated to reflect new commercial plans, or previous plans that have failed to materialise. This flexibility allows for an increase or decrease in the number of premises included in the State Intervention area. Any changes to the map are subject to a formal review process. This is to ensure that the State is compliant with State Aid rules and the State aid approval which enabled the contract to be awarded under the National Broadband Plan.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (281)
Colm Burke
Question:281. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if National Broadband Ireland will hold discussions with Eir in order to provide broadband to premises in cases in which Eir fibre broadband infrastructure is bordering an amber area under the National Broadband Plan and in which there is sufficient capacity to accommodate more premises on this line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20353/21]
View answerWritten answers
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas which will be included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode.
- Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high speed broadband through the State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
- The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. Eir’s rural deployment of high speed broadband is a commercial undertaking and is not part of the planned State Intervention. Their operations are not funded by the State and are not planned, designed or directed by my Department in any capacity. The decision as to the areas and premises served is made by eir internally and on a commercial basis. They operate in a fully liberalised market regulated by ComReg as the independent regulator. My Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that process.
I understand that NBI are engaging with eir and the wider market to seek solutions for a number of categories of premises and that this includes those premises that are close to the eir rural fibre network. I am advised that it is expected that this will be progressed over the coming months.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
Question No. 282 answered with Question No. 223.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (283, 284)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:283. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when National Broadband Ireland will commence its survey at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20440/21]
View answerPádraig O'Sullivan
Question:284. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when National Broadband Ireland will commence its survey at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20441/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.
The Questions refer to premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 15 April 2021, over 204,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. In County Cork premises have been surveyed or are ongoing including in the areas Midelton, Cullen, Templebreedy, Carrigaline, Ballyfoyle, Douglas, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, Mahon, Kilpatrick, Ballydesmond, Kiskeam, Umeraboy, Knocknagree, Rineen, Cullen, Coolinarna, Millstreet, Hollymount and Caherbarnagh. Main works are ongoing in Carrigaline, Fountainstown, Ballinhassig, Monkstown, and Upper Rochestown and preworks are ongoing in Midleton.
In terms of the area referred to in the Question, I am not in a position to confirm when surveys are due to commence. Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie , which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 15 April, 302 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for schools. BCP sites installed in Cork are Ballindangan Community Centre, Aghabullogue Community Centre, Castletownkenneigh Community Centre, Lissavard Community Centre, Whitechurch Community Centre (located c. 10 Kilometres from both premises) and T.O. Park Labbamollaga. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Clogagh and Ballycroneen National School are planned as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/ .
National Broadband Plan
Questions (285)
Emer Higgins
Question:285. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the townlands in which surveying has been completed in relation to the National Broadband Plan; the townlands in which surveying is underway currently; the townlands in which it is planned to conduct surveying before the end of 2021, by county in tabular form; if he will report on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20469/21]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area. The deployment plan forecasts construction commenced in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years. Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic throughout 2020 and which are continuing into this year, NBI has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan. I am advised by NBI that, as of 12 April 2021, over 204,000 premises across 26 counties have been surveyed and that build and pre-build works are underway across a number of deployment areas. The first fibre to the home connections have been successfully connected and are in a test and trial phase in Carrigaline, Co Cork and Cavan. I am advised that over 2,300 premises are passed and available for connection in Counties Cork and Cavan.
A breakdown of the premises in the intervention area by county and surveys undertaken to date is set out in the table below.
|
COUNTY |
number of premises in the IA |
surveys completed |
% surveys completed |
% surveys underway or planned |
|
Carlow |
8,190 |
7,772 |
95% |
5% |
|
Cavan |
16,274 |
3,738 |
23% |
77% |
|
Clare |
22,719 |
3,556 |
16% |
84% |
|
Cork |
79,663 |
22,765 |
29% |
71% |
|
Donegal |
32,483 |
6,389 |
20% |
80% |
|
Dublin |
13,677 |
2,437 |
18% |
82% |
|
Galway |
38,887 |
14,914 |
38% |
62% |
|
Kerry |
26,988 |
16,382 |
61% |
39% |
|
Kildare |
14,085 |
2,848 |
20% |
80% |
|
Kilkenny |
18,416 |
5,951 |
32% |
68% |
|
Laois |
12,562 |
9,464 |
75% |
25% |
|
Leitrim |
11,614 |
3,576 |
31% |
69% |
|
Limerick |
21,293 |
8,583 |
40% |
60% |
|
Longford |
8,712 |
3,294 |
38% |
62% |
|
Louth |
8,423 |
7,850 |
93% |
7% |
|
Mayo |
36,614 |
8,281 |
23% |
77% |
|
Meath |
19,824 |
4,455 |
22% |
78% |
|
Monaghan |
15,332 |
10,644 |
69% |
31% |
|
Offaly |
12,216 |
1,275 |
10% |
90% |
|
Roscommon |
19,185 |
6,930 |
36% |
64% |
|
Sligo |
14,875 |
3,959 |
27% |
73% |
|
Tipperary |
29,810 |
8,643 |
29% |
71% |
|
Waterford |
15,048 |
10,240 |
68% |
32% |
|
Westmeath |
11,761 |
8,656 |
74% |
26% |
|
Wexford |
22,552 |
11,231 |
50% |
50% |
|
Wicklow |
15,464 |
10,459 |
68% |
32% |
|
TOTAL |
546,667 |
204,292 |
37% |
63% |
Further details can be found on the NBI website at the following location https://nbi.ie/rollout-plan/.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (286)
Emer Higgins
Question:286. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the townlands in which the construction or build out phase has started in relation to the National Broadband Plan; the townlands in which construction will commence before the end of 2021; the number of premises that have been connected; the percentage that these comprise of the total number in each county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20470/21]
View answerWritten answers
Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic throughout 2020, which have continued are continuing into this year, NBI has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan. I am advised by NBI that, as of 15 April 2021, over 204,000 premises across 26 counties have been surveyed and that over 92,000 premises are under construction with either pre-works or main construction works underway. The first fibre to the home connections have been successfully connected Counties Cork and Cavan. I am advised that, as of 15 April, 2,322 premises are passed and available for connection in Cork and Cavan.
I am further advised that NBI continue to work to provide more detail on its website and have included a rolling update on network build plans. Further details can be found on the NBI website at the following location https://nbi.ie/rollout-plan/. This will outline the most up to date information available on the programme. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie , which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
A breakdown of the areas under construction is set out in the table below. It should be noted that dates and phases of progress below are subject to change due to ongoing challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
|
Deployment Area (DA) |
Counties Covered in DA |
Status of Deployment Area |
Anticipated Date for Connection |
Number of Premises |
|
Cavan |
Cavan |
Network Build In Progress |
January 2021 – May 2021 |
3,738 |
|
Carrigaline |
Cork |
Network Build In Progress |
March 2021 – June 2021 |
4,615 |
|
Galway |
Galway |
Network Build In Progress |
April 2021 – June 2021 |
3,502 |
|
Ballinasloe |
Galway/ Roscommon |
Network Build In Progress |
June 2021 – August 2021 |
3,307 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick/ Clare |
Network Build In Progress |
June 2021 – August 2021 |
4,075 |
|
Tralee |
Kerry |
Network Build In Progress |
July 2021 – September 2021 |
3,167 |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan |
Network Build In Progress |
July 2021 – September 2021 |
4,355 |
|
Wexford |
Wexford |
Network Build In Progress |
August 2021 – October 2021 |
3,745 |
|
Killarney |
Kerry |
Network Build In Progress |
August 2021 – October 2021 |
3,382 |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon/ Galway |
Network Build In Progress |
August 2021 – October 2021 |
3,591 |
|
Tipperary |
Tipperary/ Limerick |
Network Build In Progress |
August 2021 – October 2021 |
3,316 |
|
Dundalk |
Louth/ Monaghan |
Network Build In Progress |
August 2021 – October 2021 |
2,770 |
|
Sligo |
Sligo/ Leitrim |
Network Build In Progress |
August 2021 – October 2021 |
2,513 |
|
Kilcoole |
Wicklow |
Network Build In Progress |
September 2021 – November 2021 |
2,836 |
|
Castlebar |
Mayo |
Network Build In Progress |
September 2021 – November 2021 |
2,139 |
|
Mullingar |
Westmeath |
Network Build In Progress |
October 2021 – December 2021 |
4,109 |
|
Blessington |
Wicklow/ Kildare/ Dublin |
Network Build In Progress |
October 2021 – December 2021 |
4,959 |
|
Carlow |
Carlow/ Laois/ Kildare |
Network Build In Progress |
October 2021 – December 2021 |
3,544 |
|
Midleton |
Cork |
Network Build In Progress |
November 2021 – January 2022 |
8,446 |
|
Skerries |
Dublin/ Meath |
Network Build In Progress |
November 2021 – January 2022 |
2,437 |
|
Ballina |
Mayo/ Sligo |
Network Build In Progress |
December 2021 – February 2022 |
2,678 |
|
Clonmel |
Tipperary/ Waterford |
Network Build In Progress |
January 2022 – March 2022 |
2,143 |
|
Gort |
Galway/ Clare |
Network Build In Progress |
January 2022 – March 2022 |
2,618 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford/ Kilkenny |
Network Build In Progress |
November 2021 – January 2022 |
6,351 |
|
Drogheda |
Louth / Meath |
Network Build In Progress |
January 2022 – March 2022 |
4173 |
Environmental Policy
Questions (287)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:287. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to phase out usage of aluminium trays as containers for food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20562/21]
View answerWritten answers
Aluminium trays, in common with other aluminium receptacles, are very compatible for multiple recycling. These trays can be placed in the household recycling bin once they have been cleaned and dried. In a European context, packaging that meets the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC, which this material does, is guaranteed free circulation in the European Economic Area. There are therefore no plans to phase out the usage of this material. The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy details the measures that will be adopted to achieve optimum results in the area of packaging waste including a commitment to ensuring that all packaging on the Irish market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (288)
Robert Troy
Question:288. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a household (details supplied) will be able to avail of e-fibre broadband. [20576/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention. I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 15 April 2021, over 204,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. In County Westmeath premises have been surveyed including in the areas of Mullingar, Sonna, Stonehall, Taghmon, Jamestown, Hopestown and Athlone. With regard to the premises referred to, I understand that the network build is in progress in the area and NBI anticipate that high speed broadband will be available in the area later this year. Further details are available on specific areas within County Westmeath through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie , which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 15 April, 302 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for schools. BCP sites installed in Westmeath are Streete Parish Park & Community Hall, Whitehall Community Centre, Milltown Emper Community Centre and Ballycomoyle GAA Club. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/ .
Scoil Náisiúnta Bhride is installed as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/ .
Environmental Policy
Questions (289, 290, 291)
Claire Kerrane
Question:289. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied with the importation of peat and coal briquettes to Ireland due to the wind down of production in Ireland in line with measures to phase out fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20653/21]
View answerClaire Kerrane
Question:290. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of peat, peat and coal briquettes, wood briquettes and coal imported to Ireland in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [20654/21]
View answerClaire Kerrane
Question:291. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of peat, peat and coal briquettes and coal produced here in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [20655/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 289, 290 and 291 together.
Data on the importation, exportation and indigenous production of fuels such as peat, coal and biomass are published in the National Energy Balance by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The data is reported in terms of kilotonnes of oil equivalent (ktoe) and the latest available annual data relates to 2019. 2020 data is expected with the publication of the final energy balance in October. The data is available from the SEAI website here: https://www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/key-statistics/energy-data/
In terms of peat, production is reported to have reduced from 744 ktoe in 2017 to 391 ktoe in 2019. No peat imports were reported for this period.
In terms of peat briquettes, production is reported to have reduced from 75 ktoe in 2017 to 54 ktoe in 2019. There were no peat briquette imports reported for this period. Peat briquettes are produced from milled peat, and the National Energy Balance, therefore, reports these figures under Transformation Output.
In terms of coal, no production was reported for the years 2017 to 2019. Imports have decreased year-on-year from a 2017 level of 1,292 ktoe to 216 ktoe in 2019.
In terms of coal briquettes and ovoids, indigenous production of these products is reported under Exchanges and transfers and increased from 29 ktoe in 2017 to 33 ktoe in 2019. Imports of these products are reported together with anthracite and total imports in this category have reduced from 102 ktoe in 2017 to 81 ktoe in 2019.
Wood briquettes, as a relatively minor fuel source, are reported as part of total solid biomass figures. Other fuels in this category include wood, wood pellets, wood chips, energy crops and some solid bio wastes such as tallow. Production under this heading is reported to have declined slightly from 248 ktoe in 2017 to 237 ktoe in 2019. In the same period, imports have also slightly declined from 28 ktoe to 25 ktoe.